# NTSB LAX94LA265: Cessna 180, N63419, Elko, NV, June 25, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1994, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Elko, NV
- Coordinates: 40.949901, -115.79029 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9499&lon=-115.7903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 12, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28783
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA265
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28783/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA265

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT DURING LANDING ROLLOUT. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PRESENCE OF SOFT AND UNEVEN TERRAIN ADJACENT TO THE LANDING SITE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT PLANNED TO EXAMINE CATTLE WHICH WERE LOCATED IN THE AREA AND TO MEET WITH ASSOCIATES.  THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE EXAMINED THE ROAD ON WHICH HE PLANNED TO LAND FROM THE AIR IT APPEARED TO BE SATISFACTORY.  THE PILOT LANDED ON THE ROAD, DRIFTED LEFT, ENTERED THE SOFT DIRT SHOULDER, AND COLLIDED WITH A ROCK.

## Factual narrative

On June 25, 1994, at 1000 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 180, N63419, operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during landing rollout on a dirt road about 75 miles north of Elko, Nevada.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the business flight.  Neither the private pilot nor passenger was injured.  The flight originated from Elko, Nevada, at 0930.  The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board that he planned to examine cattle which were located in the area and to meet with associates.  The pilot stated that when he examined the road from aloft it appeared to be satisfactory for landing.  The pilot landed on the road, drifted left, and then entered the soft dirt shoulder.

In the pilot's completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1, he wrote that he landed too close to a bar pit and hit a rock which broke the left landing gear.  The airplane then veered off the road and, as the airplane slowed, its wings and horizontal stabilizer were bent.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N63419 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18052844
- Airframe hours: 796
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-U 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Samuel Kent Howard
- Registered owner: Samuel Kent Howard
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 3, 1994, 25 hours before
- Airport: NONE, County Dirt Road

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,000 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19940625016879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940625016879A), Jun 25, 1994: Cessna 180, Elko, NV, Substantial damage. Landed on dirt road to check on cattle. Struck a rock that broke off left main gear. Veered off road. Bent wings.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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